Subjects Understood

In a Special Sense

Basic Usage and Grammar: Chapter 7

Rule 6: Some subjects, though plural in form, are SINGULAR

mathematicsnewsphysicseconomicsaeronauticselectronics

molassesmumpsmeasles…and more!

You try RULE 6!

• What is RULE 6? Do you remember??• Try it…

–Mathematics (is, are) my favorite subject.–Sheldon thinks physics (is, are) an

interesting idea.

Rule 7:

Singular

Time MoneyWeight

Measurement

usually

You try RULE 7!

• What is RULE 7? Do you remember??• Let’s see…

–Fifty dollars (is, are) the cost of the shoes.–How many yards (is, are) enough?–I think twelve pounds of corn (is, are)

enough.

Rule 8: Collective Nouns

singularsingularusually

groupteam family

classcrowd committee

Usually SINGULAR…

The family is in the kitchen.

Sometimes PLURAL depends on the meaning…

• SINGULAR– The jury is sitting in the jury box. (The group is

sitting in the box.)– The board of directors supports the measure.

• PLURAL– The jury are out to lunch. (Each member is out

to lunch.)– The board of directors are divided.